Observator
by The Raveonettes
  • Record Label: Vice
  • Release Date: Sep 11, 2012
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. DIY Magazine
    Sep 18, 2012
    60
    Overall the album is never really present enough to make an impression, beyond a hazy silhouette in the distance.
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Sep 17, 2012
    60
    It's a righting of the ship back to the quality control we've come to expect from the Raveonettes but nevertheless still an accomplished retread of a formula, nothing more.
  3. Consequence
    Sep 11, 2012
    60
    Despite standout moments within most of the songs, nothing on this album except perhaps the closing number, "Till the End", truly stands out as recognizably Raveonettes.
  5. Rolling Stone
    Sep 11, 2012
    60
    Even when the band allows its minor-key impulses back in, the album feels pleasant, in a late-summer-sunset kind of way.
  6. Pitchfork
    Sep 12, 2012
    56
    It's hard to shake the feeling that the album sounds too comfortable, too familiar: It's so deeply entrenched in their comfort zone that it sounds too easy-- not effortless, but automatic and rote.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Sep 10, 2012
    50
    While the album may improve on its predecessor, Observator still finds the Raveonettes engaging in far too many self-indulgent habits: They've left Hot Topic, but they don't seem to know where they're headed next.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. BillyWhite
    Sep 12, 2012
    9
    Unfamiliar with the Raveonettes, I gave this album a try and was struck by their dreamy sound from beginning to end. It sounds like a lo-fiUnfamiliar with the Raveonettes, I gave this album a try and was struck by their dreamy sound from beginning to end. It sounds like a lo-fi production for todays standards, but this only helps the overall sounds. The vocals echo harmoniously with the noisy guitars and this never gets tiresome throughout the album. Very nice album!… Full Review »
  2. tapo
    Sep 11, 2012
    9
    This is thoroughly enjoyable. Different feel from past Ravies albums. Much more layers with the guitars and different sound. Unmistakable.This is thoroughly enjoyable. Different feel from past Ravies albums. Much more layers with the guitars and different sound. Unmistakable. Loving it.… Full Review »
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